Miami Gets Tough On New Cops

MIAMI -- Thirty-five Miami police recruits will be subject to the city`s first comprehensive psychological screening in an effort to weed out unqualified officers.

``I hope this will identify candidates who would not make good police officers,`` said City Manager Cesar Odio.

The recruits will be given a battery of tests and a personal interview with clinical psychologists.

They will be looking for people who appear able to handle emergencies, in addition to those who may be prone to corruption or unable to follow rules.

A summary of an applicant`s potential for service would be prepared within 10 days of the test and ratings would range from acceptable to unsuitable. A negative recommendation would exclude a candidate from further consideration.

The new screening was suggested by a task force created by Odio last December to help clean up the department, which has been tinged by the trial of seven officers accused of running a drug ripoff ring, arrests of other officers, a FBI corruption probe and missing property room marijuana.